The Plan

by Bernard Jacobs

In this action-packed thriller, a charismatic American president with a secret agenda sets in play a global war against radical Islamists. The year is 2017, and President Paterson Winters has a plan to ensure that the United States becomes the single economic powerhouse on the planet. To achieve this, he must present a common enemy, for which the unified opposition will help drive international investment to America's shores. The perfect target is militant Islam. He chooses as his henchman Assistant Chief of Staff Col. Ryder Graham, a man whose background is remarkably similar to his own, with a deep-seated, personal hatred of radical Islam. But not even Graham knows Winters' ultimate goal. Together they embark on a mission to provoke Muslim radicals into actions that will require Western democracies to retaliate in massive attacks on Islamist strongholds. Jacobs' first novel is replete with echoes of current headlines; economic instability, cultural clashes and terrorist attacks. In an envelope-pushing twist, the two main protagonists have mothers of Muslim upbringing with Saudi connections, and each has his own reasons for bitterly resenting Islam as it's practiced by the extremists. Through well-inserted flashbacks, Jacobs gradually and successfully builds up Ryder, a man suffering from occasional moral conflict as the patriotic commander of three teams of Special Forces. Winters, however, comes across as rather flat; an intelligent, wealthy, confident member of the social elite, lacking any sense of moral conflict or compunction. The action veers over the top, but the behind-the-scenes political manipulations and deceptions ring true. Jacobs is a solid, literate storyteller. An engaging, conspiracy-laden tale with a frightening premise.

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2011

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had started this book over a year ago and when I ran out of physical books to read I decided to finish this one. It took a little while to remember what is going on. The ending had a serious plot twist. Overall it was pretty good.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

The newly elected popular President of the US, son of a Saudi mother has a secret agenda and carries out a secret war against Muslim extremists while trying to improve the prosperity of the country. The premise is interesting, but the proofing, or conversion to the e-book format was very poor with run together words and insertions of items not part of the narrative which made it an uncomfortable read.

[Marcelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting concept - the President helps create/encourage terrorism throughout the world so that nations will be scared of Islam and put their money in America. Reading it was a different story - I just couldn't get into it and stopped after a couple of chapters.

Hey, I just now skipped to the end and read the last few pages. Still not interested.

[MaryAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

hard to follow the political trail of Middle East & rest of world

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book immensely. The plot and character development kept me interested throughout. I think it would make a great movie!